Everglades National Park is one of the most famous national parks in America. It is not without reason that this fame is bestowed on him. Located in Florida, the park welcomes over 1.2 million visitors annually and covers a total area of ​​an impressive 5,660 km². Everglades National Park was established on December 6, 1947. See a2zdirectory for tourist attractions in Florida.

The location of Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park stretches from Lake Okeechobee in the north of the area down to the southern tip of the Florida Peninsula. This area is also called the grass flow. The name comes from the fact that the actual river is seldom seen and is mostly only a few centimeters deep. Actually, one speaks of a water vein rather than a river. This is mainly underground and moves forward at 1 meter per hour. For the most part, this area is covered with grass, only a few trees such as cypresses and gumbo limbo trees can be found here and there. Royal palms also grow here and share the space with the mahogany trees.
The highest point in Everglades National Park is located 2.4 meters above sea level.

Agriculture in the middle of the park

A part of the Everglades is under protection of the national park, part of the Everglade area is used for agriculture today. The water is also needed to produce drinking water for cities that are located near the Everglades National Park. For example, Miami gets drinking water from the Everglades. Unfortunately, this deprives them of their natural supply. The southern part is protected by the national park, but this is only 20 percent of the total area. The Everglades wetlands are so badly affected.

The tour through the Everglades National Park

One thing first: mosquito repellent should always be with you in hand luggage! Because the little pests cavort in the wetlands in abundance and like to sting.
There are plenty of hiking trails here in Everglades National Park. On the routes you can experience and observe the animals and life in nature up close. For animal lovers, you can give the tip to go on the Shark Valley or the Anhinga Trail. You will find a particularly large number of animals here. Alligators, comorans, herons and many large species of fish and turtles can be seen from the trail. The special thing about the trail is that you are very close to the animals here. However, they should not be fed and touched.

The Everglades National Park has the largest population of flamingos in the USA. Pelicans, ibises and waders are also abundant here.
In addition to a large number of different bird species, raccoons, black bears, pumas and various species of spiders also live here.

Man and nature

Unfortunately, it is always people who cause harm to nature and the environment. The Everglades have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for 30 years. However, due to pollution from fertilizers, dangerous mercury and drainage of the surrounding area between 1993 and 2007, Everglades National Park was placed on the Red List of World Heritage in Danger. Natural influences also caused damage to the area, for example Hurricane Andrew raged here with devastating consequences. The park management is still working on restoring the park and so unfortunately some visitor points are still not accessible and are currently not available.